Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. – Mahatma Ghandi
via @JackCanfield (Click to Tweet!)
In Japan, the word for constant and never-ending improvement is kaizen. Not only is kaizen an operating philosophy for modern Japanese businesses, it’s also the age-old philosophy of the warrior class—and it has become the personal mantra of millions of successful people all over the world.
All the world-class achievers I’ve ever met – whether in business, sports, or the arts – are committed to continual improvement. They understand that in order to succeed in an ever-changing world, they must always be learning and evolving.
They don’t wait until external influences – such as a teacher, manager or boss, or new developments within an industry – force them to gain new skills or knowledge. They are self-motivated learners who are constantly looking for new ways to improve their performance and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
Are you a self-motivated learner?
Here are five ways to tell if you’re a self-motivated learner who has what it takes to achieve incredible success in life…
1. You learn because you WANT to, not because you think you “have” to
Are you a naturally curious person? Self-motivated learners tend to ask more questions and devote more time to discovering the answers. If you are the kind of person who actively pursues your personal interests, you’ll find it easier to naturally acquire the skills and knowledge you need to design a life that’s more in alignment with your goals and dreams.
2. You’re willing to admit you don’t know everything
Do you have a greater sense of self-awareness? Self-motivated learners tend to have a deeper understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses. If you view gaps in your knowledge as growth opportunities, you’ll be able to upgrade your skillset to achieve even higher levels of success.
3. You’re willing to take bigger risks – and get bigger results
Are you driven by a strong sense of personal achievement? Self-motivated learners thrive on accomplishment and have more confidence in their abilities because they are able to achieve so much on their own initiative. If you’re not afraid to leave your comfort zone and take big risks, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish.
4. You’re more likely to finish what you start
Do you refuse to give up in the face of setbacks? When self-motivated learners experience challenges, they become even more determined to succeed! If you have a strong sense of personal accountability, you will naturally be better at managing your time and avoiding distraction – and will see your projects through to completion faster.
5. You’re always two steps ahead of the pack
Are you a naturally pro-active person? Self-achievers refuse to wait for changing circumstances to force them to adapt. If you are continually learning, you will be able to anticipate new developments long before they happen and thrive in an ever-changing world no matter what life throws your way.
How many times did you answer “Yes”?
If you answered “Yes!” to four or more of the questions above, congratulations! You are a self-motivated learner.
If you didn’t answer yes to most of the questions, the good news is that these habits can be developed over time.
All you need to do is make the commitment to become a self-motivated learner. Set aside a specific amount of time each week to expand your knowledge and upgrade your skillset – and stick to it!
The more you learn, the more you will naturally want to KEEP learning because of the huge positive impact it will have on your life and career.
As the beloved originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, Jack Canfield fostered the emergence of inspirational anthologies as a genre—and watched it grow to a billion dollar market. As the driving force behind the development and delivery of over 100 million books sold through the Chicken Soup for the Soul® franchise, Jack Canfield is uniquely qualified to talk about success. Jack is America’s #1 Success Coach and wrote the life-changing book The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be and speaks around the world on this subject. Follow Jack at www.jackcanfield.com and sign up for his free resources today!
Chicken Soup for the Soul 20th Anniversary Edition NOW AVAILABLE:
Image courtesy of Ondrej Supitar.
